From Our Experts: Fasting Tips for Navaratri
Here’s wishing all our readers a Happy Ugadi and Gudi Padwa. The Vasanth Navaratri — nine days of fasting during the Spring season — requires a lot of thought and planning. It is essential that the body’s nutrient stores are continually replenished in order to maintain energy levels and prevent weight gain.
Tips to Stay Healthy During the Fasting Season
Eat small, frequent meals instead of starving yourself — this helps maintain blood glucose levels and keeps you fuelled through the day
Keep yourself hydrated with water, coconut water, green tea, and lemon water
Though many vrat recipes involve frying, try to bake, roast, or grill vegetables to make your meal healthier
Pair foods high in carbohydrates like potatoes and sabudana with fibrous vegetables like capsicum, tomatoes, spinach, and cabbage
Amaranth (Rajgira) is a fantastic source of protein — you can stir it up as savoury daliya with lots of vegetables
Kuttu flour is a wonderful combination of carbohydrates (70–75%) and protein (20–25%) — make chapattis with it and stay off oil-laden pooris
Samak rice is easy on your digestive system and pairs well with your favourite sabzi
Curb sugar cravings by indulging in fruits
For mid-day munchies, opt for roasted makhana (fox nuts) or a handful of assorted nuts (almonds, raisins, walnuts) instead of namkeen packets
Stay off refined sugar as much as possible
About the author: Dr. G S Kochar is a renowned expert in the field of nutrition, wellness, and pharmaceutical industries with over two decades of experience. He is the founder of Nutribiome and a collaborator with MapmyGenome on nutrigenomics.
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